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Topics - seteefeet

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1
West Bromwich Albion FC / What would you do? If you were Val.
« on: January 31, 2022, 02:14:14 PM »
Forget the in or out debate for a bit and try a different tack.
We have some very intelligent, articulate and committed posters on here, all with differing opinions, so, assuming Val is here till the end of the season, what would you do if you were him?

Here's my thoughts.
1) Get all the players together, including the bomb squad, have a warts an all talk and listen to what they have to say regarding tactics, formation etc.
2) Make training, and everything else, more inclusive, trying different ideas.
3) Go back to basics with regards set pieces etc. but give players license to experiment a bit.
4) Communicate better with the fans, We aren't stupid, if you say one thing and do another, we will see through it. Be more honest and transparent.
5) Don't be scared to try something different.
6) Take responsibility, whatever happens.

Robson somehow fluked a line up and formation that worked in January, despite looking totally abject up to December, so all is not lost. If, both him and the players, can put pride aside, and work together, they may just salvage the season.

2
General Football & Sports / Shaun Murphy
« on: November 24, 2021, 03:00:11 PM »
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/59392405

What a spoilt brat.

(sorry if the link doesn't work)

Basically he lost to an amateur then complained that he (the amateur) "shouldn't even be in the building" and is threatening his (Murphy's) livelihood. This despite £4m career earnings, excluding sponsorship.

Glad it's not just football that's gone to hell in a handcart.

3
West Bromwich Albion FC / What's your matchday look like
« on: September 28, 2021, 09:36:35 AM »
There's been a lot of discussion this week about what football means to us fans, and the strange ways it makes us act, so thought it would be interesting to see what everyone's matchday looks like.

Here's mine:
I'm not going so this is my watch from home routine.

Got up and walked dog, thoughts drifting to the game, on and off, so the anticipation building from pretty much the minute I woke up.

Work all day but will be in and out of the forum to keep in touch with what's going on with my fellow Baggies
Will check the League table at some point (probably multiple times if I'm honest) and run through all the various scenarios.
After work will walk the dog again, but the anticipation and anxiety will be far greater than this morning.
Go home and do my best to kill the couple of hours before kick off. Cook for my wife and daughter, I can't eat before the game so just a few beers.
After tea, my wife, daughter, dog and cat will disappear to other parts of the house and leave me to it.
On here for team news an hour before and just generally join in with the chat.
Once game kicks off I'm completely immersed for the duration.
Full time is completely dependant on the result.

Win: Over the moon. I mean, totally elated, no better feeling. Family will rejoin me to share my good mood. Will watch the after match interviews and highlights etc.
Draw: Slightly disappointed but, could be worse.
Lose: Devastated and deflated, really flat. Probably play over all the missed chances, poor decisions, errors etc. in my head trying to fathom what went wrong.

Either way I will be emotionally drained and physically exhausted so finally have some grub and then off to bed.

I don't think I've ever written this down before and, now that I have, it sounds like absolute torture.  :) I think I need to sort myself out  :-[ :D
Am I the only one that goes through this???


4
West Bromwich Albion FC / Are we a well run club?
« on: May 20, 2021, 02:26:23 PM »
Ok, so very emotive times and a lot of labels being thrown at our club, from our own fans, such as, a joke, a shambles, embarrassment etc.
Question is, are we?

In my opinion we are none of the above, we are in fact a very well run club who continually punch above our (financial) weight. Regardless of our fantastic history, we are simply judged now, the same as everyone else, by how much money we have.
We talk about lack of investment but we simply do not have that sort of owner. Lai, never professed to have billions to throw into the club and, right from the start said we would work to a self-sufficient model. That means we can't spend money we don't have, so no, not lack of investment, instead, lack of funds. Big difference.
That's not small time it's just fact.

Bearing that in mind, I would say we have been one of the most successful clubs, in the country, over the last 20 years, in relation to our financial clout.

In the last 20 years we have been promoted 5 times and made an FA Cup semi at Wembley.
Yes, we have had more than our share of relegations, but, we have never finished outside the top 6 in the Championship and have bounced back within 2 years on EVERY occasion. "That's only because of the parachute payments though". Maybe so, but plenty of clubs have had that and have never managed to get back up.

Yes we make mistakes, in terms of signings and recruitments, but the overall philosophy remains the same and that is to keep the club on an even keel so that, if we do go down, we are well placed to come back, without putting the club at risk. We accuse the club of short termism but, for me, that is the most sensible long term plan a club with our resources can have.

I'm as fickle as the next person and have had more than my share of  angry moments when I want to vent at all and sundry connected to the club, but, at the end of the day, I love my club with a passion and am proud, every day, to be an Albion fan, whatever league we are in.

Once the dust has settled on a disappointing season, I hope we can all come back together, get behind whoever is in charge and take on the Championship with all our might! We support a great club after all  ;)

5
West Bromwich Albion FC / Which is better?
« on: May 10, 2021, 12:01:22 PM »
Ok, so we've gone again and it's predominantly doom and gloom but, as a 40 odd year supporter, I for one will shed no tears and am glad that we are now in a league where we can actually compete and aspire to something. To the extent that I would rather be sitting at the top of League 1 than begging for scraps at the bottom of the greed league.
Just wondered if I'm just being fickle as I prefer it when we're winning.

A couple of stats to bear in mind:
We have NEVER won more than we've lost in a Prem season
NOR have we scored more than we've conceded.

There's just no fun in that!!!
And,
That's under different owners and multiple DoF's and managers.
The sad truth is, when it comes to the greed league, we are priced out of it and, with no sign of that changing, I'm happy to take their money and get the hell outta there.

What's everybody else think?

6
West Bromwich Albion FC / Long Term Plan
« on: April 30, 2021, 09:30:23 AM »
This gets a great deal of debate so thought it worth a thread of it's own.

What do we define as a long term plan?

Holding onto a younger manager rather than sacking them at the first sign of trouble? Not for me, the manager is but one cog in a bigger wheel and, let's face it, any young manager who achieves success here would be picked off by a richer vulture. We, literally, can't afford, to watch a manager fail in the hope that they will come good. That being said, I still believe the timing of Darren Moore's sacking was beyond stupid and completely derailed our season

Building from bottom up? One philosophy right through the Academy to first team, and bringing our kids through, is a fantastic idea, it's dependant on two things though.
1) Having kids good enough to achieve the level we are at. This is extremely difficult at Champ level and virtually impossible at Prem because the amount of kids that reach that peak early on is very small.
2) If we do find kids that have that potential, they, again will be picked off by richer vultures due to the corrupt system that, not only does nothing to protect against it, but seems to actively promote it.

I would argue that we have had  the same, very successful, long term plan in place for many years and that is one of financial stability.
We don't overspend, our wage structure is well managed and we were pioneers of flexdown contracts.
This, however, has had a two way effect.
It holds us back when we get promoted but
It makes us incredibly strong when we get relegated.

This means we are in a sort of limbo, not good enough to stay up, too good to go down.
The only time we have had any prolonged success (in terms of staying up) was under Pulis and Hodgson, two pragmatic, no nonsense  managers.
That's why I think we have to accept that the ideology of a young, upcoming manager, playing flowing football, is, unfortunately, fanciful at the very least.

This may not sit well with many but, as the financial dice are not loaded in our favour, when it comes to the corruption of the greed league, our best chance of a long term plan seeing fruition may not be with a 30 something Cruyff wannabe, it's more likely a 66 year old, weathered old warhorse.

7
General Football & Sports / Penalty shoot out alternative
« on: February 23, 2021, 11:31:59 AM »
I know there's a few stato's and historians on here so, can anyone remember an alternative penalty shoot out being used in  European club comp in recent years?

I remember a game being decided by a one where the attacker picked the ball up on the halfway line and took on the keeper one on one. I'm convinced that Maresca was involved but am starting to think it was a dream as I can't find anything relating to it

Can anyone help an old man out. Either way!  :-[

8
General Football & Sports / Brentford
« on: February 06, 2021, 04:49:39 PM »
So, Brentford are just so good, they make great signings, bring players through and make great profit, they lose managers but always seem to find another one to take over the reigns, but...... they have never got promoted.....yet.
Question is, will it all go to hell once they do get to the "promised land" and are they better off staying where they are, playing great football, winning more than they lose and, generally, loving life?

I can't help thinking that the greed league will crush them and it will be such a shame.

Given how last season finished, and where we both are now, who's really better off?

Have they cracked the system by doing everything right without ever getting relegated to the greed league?

9
West Bromwich Albion FC / New Signings
« on: February 02, 2021, 08:51:00 AM »
So, that's it for another window, let's see what we all think about our new signings!

Just a bit of fun and to either, rule out, or fuel, some "told you so" banter as the season goes on.

Let's not make it another thread about Lai or Dowling or Bilic vs Allardyce, just honest first impressions of our newest recruits.

Snodgrass - Uninspiring signing but a good pro. Won't pull up any trees and will end up flitting between starting 11 and bench. MISS

Diagne - If he turns out to be a hero, I think it will be an unsung one. Won't get bags of goals but, if he connects with Pereira could be the key to improving our attack. HIT

Yokuslu - Desperate for him to do well, as it is a position that has held us back for years. Looks like exactly what we need. HIT

AMN - Not sure about the uncertainty about position. We need a right back but he doesn't want to play there. Think he may think he's too good for us and won't be up for the fight. MISS

Obviously, I hope they are all massive successes and this is not about slagging them off before they've had a chance. This is just me putting my thoughts out there and to see how they compare.

10
General Football & Sports / John Bostock
« on: November 13, 2020, 11:12:56 AM »
Interesting article on the BBC sports site about John Bostock. Quite a bit of synergy with Ferguson, and more than a tad of irony,considering Palace's reaction when he left for Spurs.
Says at the end that his biggest mistake wasn't not joining Barcelona (believe it or not) but leaving Palace in the first place.
Would be a good read, along with that of Ravel Morrison, for any up and coming kids, before they get cajoled into putting pen to paper on the "deal of a lifetime" and leaving the club that brought them through.

11
West Bromwich Albion FC / Is it our fault?
« on: March 02, 2020, 11:25:54 AM »
We clearly have an issue playing at home, and have had for the entirety of our latest stay in the Championship.
Last season we had a 52% win rate at home, this season 45%. As 3 managers have presided during that time and players have come and gone, we fans are the only constant, so, is it down to us?

There has been much talk of complacency, amongst the players, following Saturday's defeat, much like there was against Stoke, Boro, Barnsley etc. but, could it actually be the opposite is true and the expectation to win at home, especially against lower opposition, is actually increasing the pressure on the players and hampering our chances?
I admit that I am far more nervous in these types of game and get frustrated more quickly if we don't get off to a flyer. I'm not the only one either as the atmosphere always seems more subdued and tetchy against sides we are expected to beat.

I may be talking out my arris, but, if there's any truth in it, what can we do about it? How do we rally ourselves to create a better, more positive, atmosphere?

12
West Bromwich Albion FC / Diving
« on: December 03, 2019, 12:20:00 PM »
Bit of fun based around last night's pen incident.
We all roundly condemn diving, but, deep down, is it just when we are on the receiving end?
To be clear, I consider myself to be very up front and honest. I've never been a crook, a cheat or a liar but when it comes to this question, my answer would be dive, dive, dive all day long  :D

Be honest please.

13
West Bromwich Albion FC / Next 4 Games
« on: November 19, 2019, 11:25:19 AM »
3 of our next 4 are at home but are all very tough games. What should we expect in terms of points?
Personally, I would like to see the unbeaten run extended, but this will be a real challenge.

Sheff Wed (H) - D
Bristol City (H) - W
PNE (A) - D
Swansea (H) - W

I reckon 8 points is minimum to keep us top and would maintain our 2+ points per game record.

14
West Bromwich Albion FC / Interviews with players
« on: October 29, 2019, 04:19:22 PM »
Read two articles this week, one from Bartley and one about Johnstone, both of whom I am critical of, but it doesn't half make you warm to them a bit when they talk so fondly about the club and their determination to succeed.
Not sure if I am missing anything (I don't buy programmes) but this is relatively rare for me, can't remember too many articles related to current first teamers but think it is an excellent way of building the relationship between players and fans. Provided of course it is genuine and not press release cliche, which neither of these seemed to be.
Is this a regular thing or is it a new directive?

15
West Bromwich Albion FC / Confession
« on: February 08, 2019, 11:58:59 AM »
I have a bit of a confession to make folks.

To be clear; In 40 odd years of watching Albion, I have never wanted us to lose a game.

On Wednesday, however, I was not as "committed" as usual, the reason being, due to a massive oversight on my part, I arranged my wedding for Cup Final day!! Needless to say, I was slightly relieved that I no longer had a decision to make, come May 18th. (My idea of a "Skype" wedding didn't go well, nor did changing the venue to Wembley registry office) ::)

Anybody got any tales of awkward conflicts of interest caused by our beloved Baggies?

Thought it might lighten the mood for a Friday but, if it's in the wrong place, Mods, please move.

16
West Bromwich Albion FC / In our blood
« on: February 19, 2018, 10:43:21 AM »
The above statement is used a lot with regards to supporting Albion and I would say it's definitely in mine.
Does sound like a disease though, doesn't it.

Symptoms:
Attacks of nerves 3-4 days before every game.
Unreasonable expectations.
Mood swings
Lack of concentration on matchday
Distant and unapproachable following defeat
Brief periods of euphoria
Extended periods of depression
Tendency to kick the cat

Please feel free to "share" your own experiences of this terrible affliction  :(

£1m question is though. If someone invented a miracle cure, would you take it? :)

17
General Football & Sports / Ostersunds naughty word - Graham Potter
« on: February 15, 2018, 10:49:35 AM »
Graham Potter's team take on Arsenal tonight in the Europa League.
Tough ask for them but hope he does well.

18
West Bromwich Albion FC / Survival or FA Cup
« on: February 05, 2018, 09:06:31 AM »
Ok, so it's Monday morning and we are all still depressed after Saturday's surrender put another nail in our survival coffin, but let's not forget we are still in the FA cup, with a very winnable home draw.
So, what matters more to you? If it's straight up choice between survival or winning the cup, which would you choose?
I know the 2 are not exclusive and we should be aiming for both, but I don't really want that debate, I just want to know what means more to you, and why.

I'll kick off with a resounding vote for the FA cup. I'm 47 and never seen us lift a trophy and, with every passing year, my chances of doing so diminish so, the thought of us winning the FA Cup trumps everything else for me.

Strange thing is, I even feel a tingle of hope, as I think we play with a bit more freedom in cup games. Anyone with me?

19
West Bromwich Albion FC / What will we be left with?
« on: February 04, 2018, 02:24:47 PM »
Some will say it's too early but I really am resigned to relegation now, along with 80% who voted on another thread, so, what will we be left with come August?
I think Foster, Evans, Gibbs, Hegazi, Greg, Chadli, Phillips, Rondon, Rodriguez and Sturridge will all go which would leave us with:

Myhill
Nyom
Dawson
Gabr
Brunt
Morrison
Yacob
Barry
Field
Burke
Robson Kanu

Scary isn't it? Massive rebuild required.

20
West Bromwich Albion FC / Born to be a Baggie
« on: January 08, 2018, 10:09:54 AM »
I'm reading this book at the minute and would recommend it to any baggie who hasn't.
Real good insight into the trials and tribulations of being a Baggie over the last 50 years and, if like me, you were travelling around the country during this time, watching Albion then it will bring back many, many memories. Some good, some not so good but wonderful nonetheless.
Well written, by Dean Walton, a real true Baggie. Give it a go.

21
West Bromwich Albion FC / How do we change our style?
« on: October 26, 2017, 10:17:01 AM »
Ok, I'm not a fan of Pulis, never have been, probably never will be but, I'm not a "Pulis Hater" either.
To be honest, if I could watch Albion playing decent football and winning games, I couldn't care less if it was Pulis, Guardiola or Sammy Cheung in charge!

So,
Question 1) What would you do to change our style, using the current group of players?
Question 2) If Pulis did it would you back him? Or is it just too late?

Personally, all I would do, is drop one of the DM's and bring in a no.10, play proper full backs and cut the cord between said full backs and wide midfielders.

Quite simple really, no high line or ticca takka, just allow the players a bit of freedom of expression and movement.

And, yes,  if Pulis did this ("flying pig emoji"), I would be happy for him to stay.


22
General Football & Sports / Distribution of overseas revenue
« on: October 03, 2017, 06:56:20 PM »
Vote to change rules regarding distribution of overseas revenue from current 100% even split to all Prem sides to 65% with 35% dependant on league position.
Unsurprisingly, top 6 in favour. Question is, is it good for us, by adding incentive to finish higher, or will it just widen the gap, between the elite and the rest?
I would hope it would force Pulls to try to win more games but fear it would give him more reason to bemoan our lack of resource.

23
West Bromwich Albion FC / Too much possession
« on: March 06, 2017, 09:35:16 AM »
A lot is made of possession stats and our lack of it, but it seems the more possession we have the worse the result, 49% against Palace, 32% against Bournemouth, 38% against Stoke, the list goes on.
Is the answer to playing against us just to let us have the ball? If so, what do we do about it.

24
West Bromwich Albion FC / How many points will we end up with?
« on: February 06, 2017, 12:13:25 PM »
I reckon 51 is a conservative estimate and should secure 8th place. Think we would need at least 58 to challenge 7th which may be just out of reach.

25
General Football & Sports / Jose Mourinho
« on: February 02, 2017, 08:47:02 AM »
What a classless, childish, egotistical little grub he is. Last week he tried to re-write the result against Hull by refusing to acknowledge their penalty, then this week storms out of an interview because the ref didn't award Man U one. Claims everyone's against him again.
Whatever I think of Pulis, I wouldn't swap him for that horrible little nerk.
I really hope Man U fail to make the top 4 this year and Saints beat em in the cup with a dodgy penna.
Would love it even more if we finished above em!

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